collect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "collect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of gathering or accumulating items, information, or data. Example: "Please collect all the necessary documents before the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such lawyerdom is how the NSA in 2006 transformed section 215's allowance to collect data "relevant" to an ongoing investigation into the ongoing bulk collection of US phone data – a construction that a federal appeals court rejected as illegal earlier this month.

The Guardian

Bluf Stands for "bottom line up front" – a request from NSA analysts to collect less data from the Muscular program (see below) because it is of no intelligence value.

The Guardian

Whether the action's beneficiaries in the streets below appreciated the reference to the Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling was not recorded, but in a press release, activists did claim that a woman who had been trying to collect money for a bus ride was able to pay her fare with the free money.

The Guardian - Opinion

While Aaron Swartz didn't live to see it, those who knew him, such as David Segal, the executive director of US organisation Demand Progress, say they have little doubt he would be "on the front lines fighting against a world in which governments observe, collect, and analyze our every digital action".

The Guardian - Tech

But the studio has turned round matters with its $200m £120mm) sequel: all those greenbacks are now firmly trapped in Spidey's web, waiting for Hollywood to collect them as the movie drives all before it at the box office.

The Guardian - Film

All these romantics aren't good for you, you know," he says, rather patronisingly, as he helps her collect the books she has hurled out of a window in a fit of teenage angst.

The Guardian - Film

You collect historical warriors and send them out to fight, upgrading their levels as you go.

The Guardian - Tech

February 2012: Additional provision included in 'How we use your information' to address certain data that we may collect, especially in the context of certain Apps and geographical location data.

The Guardian

Still, in 2012, a JIEDDO senior official, whose name is redacted in the report seen by the Guardian, instructed the COIC to "collect information on US companies that did business with Fatima".

The Guardian

Pasternak was awarded the Nobel prize for literature in 1958, though under threat of arrest or exile he could not collect it.

The Guardian - Books

Moments later, Bywater appeared to have an easy collect from a Reading corner but the goalkeeper caught only air, and fortunately for him and his side, the ball slipped away to safety.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the specific connotation you want to convey. Use "collect" when you want to indicate systematically gathering or accumulating items. For instance, "collect data" for analysis or "collect donations" for a charity.

Common error

Avoid using "collect" when referring to abstract concepts that are not tangible. For example, instead of saying "collect experience", consider using "gain experience" or "acquire knowledge".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "collect" is a verb, indicating the action of gathering things together. Ludwig AI confirms its use across various contexts, showcasing its versatility in expressing the act of accumulating or retrieving items, information, or payments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "collect" is a versatile verb that signifies gathering, accumulating, or retrieving items or information. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, ranging from news and media to formal business settings. While "collect" is a common and accepted term, it's important to consider the specific nuance you want to convey when choosing between it and similar words like "gather", "accumulate", or "compile". Remember to avoid using "collect" for abstract concepts, and you'll be well on your way to using it effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gather

Focuses more on bringing things together from different places.

accumulate

Implies a gradual increase in quantity over time.

assemble

Suggests organizing items into a structured whole.

compile

Often used when gathering information or data.

garner

Implies obtaining something, often with effort.

retrieve

Focuses on getting something back from storage or a specific location.

extract

Suggests carefully removing something from a larger source.

harvest

Relates to gathering crops or resources.

muster

Implies gathering people or resources for a specific purpose.

round up

Suggests gathering things or people, often in a somewhat casual or informal way.

FAQs

How to use "collect" in a sentence?

The word "collect" can be used to describe gathering or accumulating items, information, or data. For example, "Researchers "collect" data from various sources".

What can I say instead of "collect"?

You can use alternatives like "gather", "accumulate", or "compile" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "collect data" or "gather data"?

Both "collect data" and "gather data" are correct, but "collect data" suggests a more systematic or intentional process of gathering information.

What's the difference between "collect" and "accumulate"?

"Collect" implies actively bringing things together, while "accumulate" suggests a gradual increase over time. For example, you "collect" stamps for a hobby, and wealth "accumulates" over years.